Agriculture & Food
Together, we are working to build a food system that gets farmers a fair price while nourishing communities
Dakota Rural Action has long been a voice for the family farms of South Dakota. From our roots of farmers coming together to save their farms from foreclosure during the ’80s farm crisis, to pushing back against corporate consolidation, building local food systems, and addressing land access issues, DRA Member Leaders carry out strategic campaigns on a multitude of issues.
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Fighting Corporate Control
In the push to “get big or get out”, corporations are controlling more and more of our food system. DRA pushes back against this corporate domination through standing up to proposed industrial agriculture projects. We refer to this work as Rural Vitality because we are standing up for clean water, air, and quality of life in these fights. With four companies controlling the majority of meat sold in our country, livestock reform is another key way we fight against corporate control.
Land Access & Transition
A growing concerns for producers across the country is that about 1/3, or 300 million acres of farmland will be changing hands in the next two decades with a large portion of producers nearing retirement age.
DRA Member Leaders are taking action to be prepared for this land transition through a strategic policy campaign led by the Food & Land Committee.
Local Food Systems
When consumers are closer to food production, the system is more resilient. Food has fewer miles to travel which allows for higher nutritional quality. Local food systems also keep dollars in communities for a stronger economy. DRA members also participate in local coalition spaces to promote nutrition security in SD.
Farm Bill Advocacy
Much of what is grown in our country and how people access it is determined by a federal policy package known as the farm bill. It is expected to be updated every five years, though the current farm bill expired in 2023. Now is the time for bold policy solutions to support small- and mid-sized producers and the food system our communities need.
News from Family Farms
DRA Statement on Argentine Beef Imports
With the Trump administration’s announcement to quadruple beef imports from Argentina just days after Senator Mike Rounds had assured South Dakota producers that the president…
What Do We Want? Farms Not Factories
On Tuesday April 5th 2022, Lincoln County Commissioner heard the appeal of Planning and Zoning’s decision to allow Primo Feedlot to expand from 1,000 to…
Cottage Foods Reform Under Threat! Contact Your Senators
Cottage Foods Reform passed its second committee UNANIMOUSLY this week. HOORAY!!! HOWEVER, despite HB 1322 having passed with no opposition, Senate Commerce Committee Chair Casey…